By Talent Gondo

A University of Zimbabwe (UZ), Political Science student, Kudakwashe Guta who was recently acquitted of public violence charges by Harare Magistrate, Victoria Mashamba has been summoned to appear before a disciplinary hearing at the institution.

Guta, is set to appear before the UZ’s disciplinary committee (Friday) to answer to charges of misconduct in connection with a demonstration held at the institution last year.

He is represented by Denford Halimani and Kuzivakwashe Ngodza of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

He will appear before the UZ’s Student Disciplinary Committee to answer to charges of breaching the university’s rules of conduct.

“UZ authorities alleged that Guta, a political science student at the university, participated in a demonstration held on 26 June 2017 led by some medical students, who protested against the arbitrary hiking of fees,” said the ZLHR in a statement.

According to the UZ authorities, Guta allegedly incited violence on university premises by urging fellow students to insult and physically attack security personnel.

“The UZ authorities said Guta’s alleged conduct was in breach of some sections of Ordinance 30 as he had no right to do so,” said the ZLHR.

However, the UZ authorities’ decision to haul Guta before a disciplinary hearing comes at a time when he was recently acquitted by Magistrate Mashamba.

Guta had been on trial on charges of public violence as defined in section 36(1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act following his arrest by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers in June 2017 following the UZ protest.